Watch UConn and Florida Become the New NCAA Basketball Tournament Champions
The University of Connecticut (UConn) women’s and Florida men’s basketball teams rose to the occasion by winning the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) tournament championship on April 6 and 7.
Starting with the UConn Huskies, who took home their school’s thirteenth national championship by defeating the South Carolina Gamecocks 82 – 59. The monumental victory was led by players Paige Bueckers and Azzi Fudd. Bueckers scored 17 points and grabbed five rebounds, while Fudd put up 24 points and five rebounds.
Freshman Sarah Strong shined in the big game by putting up a 24-point and 15-rebound double-double. The victory adds a twelfth NCAA championship to head coach Geno Auriemma’s trophy case. The 71-year-old Italian native embraced Bueckers on the sideline as she played her final collegiate basketball game.
“They’ve all been gratifying, don’t get me wrong,” Auriemma stated during a post-game interview. “But this one here, because of how it came about and what’s been involved, it’s been a long time since I’ve been that emotional when a player has walked off the court.”
Bueckers battled multiple season-ending injuries leading up to the crowning achievement. She is now projected to go first in the Women’s National Basketball Association’s (WNBA) upcoming draft on April 14.
“It’s been a story of resilience, gratitude of overcoming adversity and responding to life’s challenges,” the 23-year-old stated. “I wouldn’t trade it for the world.”
UCONN HUSKIES ARE YOUR 2025 NATIONAL CHAMPIONS
— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessWBB) April 6, 2025
UConn defeats South Carolina, 82-59 to win the National Championship.#MarchMadness x #WFinalFour x @UConnWBB pic.twitter.com/yhqbYTAGZ5
Next up were the Florida Gators, who won their third national championship in school history by outlasting the Houston Cougars 65 – 63. The championship round clash was as exciting as you could have imagined, as both teams fought until the final buzzer. Senior Walter Clayton Jr. came up clutch late in the contest, applying immense defensive pressure on the Cougars players, leading to three consecutive stops during the final minute.
“Just go 100 percent,” Clayton stated postgame. “We were trying to get a stop, and we happened to get it. I’m happy we got it done.”
The 22-year-old prospect is expected to take his talents to the National Basketball Association (NBA) with the draft scheduled for June. Florida’s victory over Houston was the first time the Cougars have lost a game since February. Both teams are expected to be ranked in next season’s Associated Press (AP) Top 25 poll.
YOUR 2025 NATIONAL CHAMPIONS. pic.twitter.com/cFxOQ4NnJt
— Florida Gators Men’s Basketball (@GatorsMBK) April 8, 2025
Watch Florida’s triumphant NCAA championship victory below.
